Me and my latest bit of kit (Blog #34)

Hi! Welcome to my latest blog, which this week is a brief introduction to my latest bit of smartphone photography/videography kit.

I enjoy taking and editing my photography, but I have also developed an interest in creating short videos using my smartphone. Whilst a photograph can capture a moment, tell a story, and evoke emotion, a video can truly capture an experience, whether it's something exhilarating or capturing events such as your children or grandchildren as they grow up, but whatever it is, it's dynamic and, what photography can't do, it includes sound.

So I bought a gimbal, which I am hoping is going to take my videography to the next level. 

What is a gimbal? A gimbal is a pivoted support that allows an object to remain horizontal regardless of the motion of its base. It's commonly used in photography and videography to stabilize cameras and other equipment, ensuring smooth and steady shots even when the operator is moving. Gimbal systems are also used in navigation, robotics, and aerospace applications. 

That's the technology bit out of the way. Have you ever looked back at some of the videos you've made using a handheld smartphone and noticed how it looks as if you've been moving all over the place while filming? Well, using a gimbal helps to smooth out any unintentional movements.

I actually bought a budget-price gimbal around a year ago, but as the Bluetooth wasn't connecting between it and my phone, I sent it back. However, recently I have had the urge to create videos alongside my photographs. I did a bit of research and settled on the DJI Osmo Mobile 6, shown below. It is apparently an Amazon best seller.

My first impression is that it's a solid piece of kit. It's easy to set up, which is done in conjunction with the DJI app. This was my first problem, however, because for some reason the app isn't available to download from the Google Play Store, and being an android user, that was a pain. However, you can go to the DJI website and download a file, then in your phone settings allow apps from unknown sources to be installed (don't forget to switch this back when you're done), then download the app. All a bit of a faff, but hey ho.

I am not going to regurgitate how to set up or operate then gimbal, because there's so much good stuff out there already on YouTube. Here's the link to the YouTube video, created by The Drone Creative, I used when setting up and generally finding out how to use my gimbal.

https://youtu.be/b14FE8qAx8c?si=4I_0TjNBq-ARloqs

Suffice to say, there's a great deal to take in, how to operate the device, discovering all of its functions, and learning all of the various actions and activities you can do. I had to watch this video three or four times before I grasped how to operate the gimbal, which I must say is very versatile in so far as its numerous functions.

I have played with my latest toy a bit, shooting short videos around the house, but haven't yet had the opportunity to get out and really test its capabilities. I'm hoping to do this soon, though, during an upcoming trip to the Lake District.

I am really impressed with the build of this piece of kit. It feels robust and sturdy. I have to say that the quality of the video footage is excellent. If you're thinking of getting into videography and are wondering if a gimbal is a good idea, then I can recommend this product.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope to see you for my next one, but in the meantime you can follow me on all my social media channels listed at the top of the screen.

© Mike Young 2024.